Vaea and Chapman back to face the Stormers

Ita Vaea returns to the base of the scrum at No 8 this Saturday night, when the CA Technologies Brumbies take on the Stormers at Canberra Stadium.

Vaea, who was one of three changes to the team, missed last Saturday’s clash with the Force in Perth after suffering an ankle injury against the Lions.

But a successful week of therapy has promoted Vaea to the starting line-up, replacing Julian Salvi at No 8.

Salvi will shift to the side of the scrum at open-side flanker.

Also returning to the starting line-up after missing a week through injury is Mitchell Chapman. Running on in the No 6 jumper in place of Rocky Elsom, Chapman’s solid line-out calling will be a huge bonus for the CA Technologies Brumbies.

Elsom was ruled out earlier in the week after suffering a syndesmosis injury to his ankle, costing the Wallaby captain the remaining four games of the Super Rugby season.

Both Colby Faingaa and Michael Hooper will leave Australia for Italy and the IRB Under 20’s World Cup on Sunday, with Hooper committing himself to a spot on the bench for his last appearance in Brumbies colours for 2011.